Zombie challenge
Fiji’s drug situation will make us “a nation of zombies” if nothing is done to nip this problem in the bud. This was the message by the Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua while officiating at the opening of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, Seizure) school at the Republic of Fiji Navy training base, RFNS Viti, in Togalevu. Mr Tikoduadua also said that an incident in the Yasawas last week, where a bag of purported methamphetamine landed on the beach, means these hard drugs are coming to Fiji by sea. In Fiji, marijuana is making big
money for the illegal farmers but it is slowly turning our young people into nut cases and zombies. Even though the Fiji Police are doing a good job in the eradication of illegal marijuana plantations, it does not stop others from planting in secret locations. The million dollar question we all need to ask is: Will the law to allow the planting of Medicinal Marijuana reduce or increase our current drug problems in Fiji? Is the illegal marijuana and the medicinal marijuana the same plant or different? It is common knowledge that those on their way to become zombies started their journey from a few marijuana rolls before trying hard drugs. Fijians have been reminded to “Say no to drugs”. If we are really serious then medicinal marijuana should not be considered in Fiji. SAVENACA VAKALIWALIWA Tacirua
Municipal elections
After 18 long years of municipal council hibernation, it seems we’re finally dusting off the ballot boxes! Though exact dates are still playing hide and seek, our Minister for Local Government, honourable Maciu Nalumisa, assures us it’s happening. (FT 10/04) Some of Ba’s ratepayers are polishing their crystal balls, predicting a grand comeback for our multi-talented former mayor-turned-MP, the one and only honourable Praveen Kumar Bala! Will he bring back his legendary moves to the council chambers? Stay tuned for the council election events unfolding in real time! DINESH KUMAR Ba
Immigration service
Getting the immigration service improved is long overdue. I’m glad that the talks and discussions are there with those allocated resources, to go about making amendments and changes to its service. There have been many frustrations for a long time with the immigration “system” being down half the time which affects everyone involved specially those coming from the interior, bearing the cost of their transportation and some taking leave from their work. Hoping for the discussions coming to fruition soon, which will be good for both the staff and the people who require the service. Vinaka for considering this much needed change. Kirti Patel Mohan Singh Pl, Lautoka
Cheque books
I am writing to oppose the removal of cheque books in Fiji. Although promoted as a modernisation effort, it must be essentially acknowledged that limitations of such a move may outweigh perceived benefits. Removal of cheques would afflict financial exclusion and potentially compromise security; by unfairly affecting the elderly including those in rural areas with limited, or no access to technology. In a digital age where cyber threats are raging, relying solely on electronic transactions exposes vulnerable individuals to the risk of fraud. Retaining cheque books alongside digital alternatives is practical and necessary to safeguard financial accessibility, security, and convenience for all Fijians. Let us ensure financial accessibility, confidence and security by retaining this essential tool in Fiji’s financial landscape besides considering sociodemographic traits that vary in banking requirements; especially to those who rely on cheques for their financial transactions. Richard Rueben Lal Nakama, Savusavu
Water woes
Your editorial comment regarding the launch of Fiji Water Sector Strategy 2050 by the Water Authority of Fiji and its excellent synopsis points to huge financial outlay required to modernise and fix the numerous problems of water supply reflected in leaking water mains and blocked sewers. The financial costs envisaged are staggering and will require a review of current charges of public water supply to consumers as well as government priorities. The latter requires focusing on the wastage of taxpayer money on our security forces. Vijay Naidu Suva
Drug problem solutions
How can Fiji fight its drug problem? (Street Talk 10/4). No one said fasting was a solution. But they made several constructive practical suggestions. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Food for thought
The Fijians living abroad miss the duruka delicacy, as Fiji seems to be only place in the world that grows duruka suitable for consumption. Is there any way we can grow off season duruka for export? Better grow duruka for home consumption and export than to grow drugs. Food for thought. Tahir Ali New Zealand
Water woes!
I freaked out after I read that around $3billion was needed to fix our water woes. While I strongly believe that we must address Fiji’s ageing infrastructure, I’m wondering who will fund the $3b! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Probe on property
Possession of property believed to be through the process of crime needs thorough investigation particularly after 2006. Dan Urai Lautoka
What about Levuka?
After reading so many letters about Levuka, my only suggestion is for the people of Levuka from the Island of Ovalau to elect Anthony Sahai as a town councillor and mayor if the elections take place this year as promised. Sukha Singh Labasa
Fasting
I laughed when I read Rajend Naidu’s letter on “fasting?” (FT 10/4). I vividly remember my late uncle’s comment to a much younger me when I excitedly said “Uncle I want to fast too like you always do”. He told me, vasu, noqu lolo qo sega ni lolo ni vaqara kaukauwa, e lolo ni maroroi kakana. “Nephew, my fasting is not to gain spiritual strength, it’s a fast to save up our food!”Isa lei! Suliasi Rabukawaqa Tailevu
Drug issue
So Much! How good is our control at the border? NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Agriculture school
Thousands of iTaukei, islanders from around the Pacific, Fijians of Indian descent and others have come to make this place their home with fond memories and lasting impressions. Many have become successful farmers, mechanical engineers from the knowledge gained in the 1960s to-date before being reduced to ashes. We now look to the Coalition Government’s leader PM Rabuka and his DPM and Education Minister Gavoka to quickly make a decision on the construction of a new and modern Navuso Agricultural School as the national budget is just around the corner. But for the time being where do the students go? Very sad indeed. Tukai Lagonilakeba Nadi
Best water
The water, when supplied, on our taps by WAF is the best in the world. They should increase the water rates by 100 per cent and change the billing cycle to monthly from quarterly, to assist with their cash flow. Vijay P. Madhavan Borron Rd, Suva
Ram Naumi festival
On Wednesday, April 17, 2024 the festival of Ram Naumi will be celebrated by Hindu devotees the world over. The preparation for this started much earlier when devotees went into fasting, praying, singing bhajans (hymns), reading excerpts from the Holy Ramayana: Ram Charitra Manas. Ram established dharma (religious principles) and ideals of character worth emulating by mankind. Ram Naumi is celebrated to mark the birth (reincarnation) of Lord Rama, the 7th reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. He was born on the 9th day of Chaitra Mas (1st Month of Hindu Lunar calendar ) at midday when a cool breeze blew and people were resting after the mid-day meal. King Dasrath of Iksvaku dynasty ruled from the city of Ajodhya, in North India. Queen Kausilya gave birth to Ram at noon and the news sent euphoria throughout the palace. King Dasrath was elated and the people of Ajodhya started singing, and dancing in jubilation. Other queens also gave birth to sons: Sumintra to Laxmana and Satruhan and Kekai to Bharat. Thus Ram had three other brothers. Ram is also known as Maryada Purushotam. His life exemplifies the ideal son, ideal husband (sworn to have only one wife) ideal ruler, ideal friend and an ideal enemy. He was always pleasant-faced, never told lies, said things only once and never minced his words. He dished out justice with fairness to all. Thus the devotees venerated his charitra (character) and Ram Rajya! The reign of Lord Rama. Ram used a bow and arrow to vanquish his enemies. He defeated Ravana (embodiment of evil) in the final battle to make Bibhisan (Rawn’s brother) the king of Lanka. And with his entourage returned to the capital city of Ajodhya. On Wednesday, April 17, 2024 millions of Hindus will flock to temples to celebrate Ram Naumi with final havan pooja (fire sacrifice) followed by feasting. May I wish all Hindu devotees a very happy Ram Naumi. Dewan Chand Donu Place, Namadi Heights, Suva
FNPF investment
Last week I wrote an opinion on this section about FNPF to allow members to withdraw funds for investment purposes. Well FNPF is making millions in investing our money. I wish to elaborate further on this. Say for example of a member that has been contributing for 10 years, can be allowed to withdraw 30 per cent from the general account. Membership of 20 years can be allowed 50 per cent withdrawal and so on. This will allow members to grow financially and be able to contribute more thus FNPF will gain a lot. It will also allow members to be self employed and run businesses. Even government will benefit. FNPF is holding on to our money and investing them and winning. Rather than giving laptops. Give us the baton so we can run. Maybe you do not like it when we will be better runners than you. Or who is winning from our money? The government maybe. Change your policies so the members would not be running to you for loans and live on credit. Naibuka Vodo Delai Vatukacevaceva Village
Aging infrastructure
It is not something new to hear about the aging infrastructure in Fiji. From the roads, pipes, public transport, sugar mill, state of hospital, drains, river banks, sea walls and EFL. Now the question is what can be done about these things? Does the Government have the money to do something? The national budget is not far away so people better make submissions. Narayan Reddy Lautoka
